Vibration testing

Vibration tests simulate real-world conditions where vibration occurs. Vibration tests are part of the normal course of product development.

Continuous vibration throughout a product’s life cycle – from transportation to daily use – puts strain on every component and connection. Undetected structural weaknesses can lead to costly defects and customer complaints. With vibration testing, you can ensure the mechanical durability and reliability of your product before it reaches the market. 

Outsource vibration testing to Toptester and save time and costs. We perform testing in accredited conditions and deliver reliable, documented test results quickly, typically within a few weeks. 

What is vibration testing? 

Vibration testing is a mechanical reliability test that evaluates the durability and reliability of products under real-world conditions. The tests simulate, for example, vibrations caused by transportation, use and the environment, which put strain on the product’s structures and components. 

Vibration testing can be used to: 

• identify structural weaknesses 

• ensure component attachments 

• detect resonant frequencies 

• prevent potential defects 

Vibration sources occur throughout the product’s life cycle. In vehicles, vibrations are generated by, for example, the engine and road surface, while during transport the entire package can be exposed to shocks and continuous vibration. It is important to understand the effects of these stresses before the product is brought to market. 

When is vibration testing necessary? 

Vibration testing is necessary for products that are known to be exposed to vibration throughout their service life. Testing works best as part of the product development phase before production begins, when potential weak points can be identified in good time. 

It makes the most economic sense to correct design errors and mechanically weak structures at an early stage. Based on the test data obtained during the product development phase, changes can be responded to cost-effectively before problems have time to appear in the field or in customer feedback. 

Vibration tests are particularly important for products used in vehicles, machines, industrial environments, transportable devices, and electronics and IoT solutions. Testing is a key part of validation and quality assurance before being exported to the market. 

What types of tests are used in vibration testing? 

Toptester carries out several different vibration test methods depending on the intended use of the product. Testing is always designed for each product so that the load corresponds to the actual operating environment. Vibration tests can be carried out according to several different standards, such as MIL-STD-810 or IEC standards. 

• Sinusoidal vibration – analysis of the effects of individual frequencies, determination of the resonance frequency 

• Random vibration – realistic loading to simulate field conditions 

• Impact and shock tests – evaluation of sudden mechanical shock loads 

• Hot Shaker testing – vibration testing at high temperatures, for example in environments similar to exhaust gas removal systems 

If necessary, we combine vibration testing with other reliability and environmental tests, such as temperature and humidity testing. 

How are vibration tests carried out? 

We have a modern TIRA shaker (1–2000 Hz, maximum acceleration up to 200 g), which allows us to simulate even the most demanding conditions. 

Our biggest advantage is accelerated life cycle testing. We are able to condense the vibration stress over the entire product life cycle (e.g. 8,000–10,000 hours) into a test period of only about 32 hours per axis. This quickly provides invaluable information about the product’s lifetime resistance to vibration and helps predict its life cycle, warranty period and maintenance needs. 

All tests are carried out in accredited laboratory conditions and are accurately documented, giving you reliable and comparable data to support your decision-making. Some of the vibration tests are accredited tests and some are carried out as special tests according to the customer’s needs. 

Do you also need other tests? 

We are happy to help with other reliability and condition tests to support your product development. 

Vibration testing equipment

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about vibration testing